A HUSBAND accused of murdering his wife last year will go on trial at Bristol Crown Court this morning (Tues).

Stephen Hotson, aged 45, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Julie Tottle at their home in Crookes Lane, Kewstoke on July 5.

But he pleaded guilty to manslaughter with diminished responsibility, which was not accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service. He is also accused of arson with intent to endanger life, but no plea was entered at the last court hearing in November.